Boxing Skills How To Guides

If you want to get straight on to looking at a Boxing How To Guide video article, why not start at the most logical place which is the boxing stance. Otherwise, read on and learn a little more about boxing skills, how those skills are presented on this site and ultimately how you can learn how to box.

To the casual observer, boxing involves a couple of individuals exchanging punches. At it’s most simple level, I admit that I find it difficult to argue with this assessment. On the other hand though, if one of the individuals has been more successful at learning boxing skills than the other, then it is no longer two people exchanging blows. What the event becomes is one person throwing lots of punches, and missing, but at the same time taking a fairly comprehensive hammering.

Now, I’m a big believer in ‘natural ability’ which I tend to view as possessing natural athletic capability along with a sharp, intelligent mind. The benefits of possessing natural ability will be realized by learning the boxing skills, and it is further likely that the learning process will be quicker for those with a ‘natural ability’. Even without ‘natural ability’ though, learning the skills of boxing is open to anyone.

There is no great mystery, by spending time on improving your skills as a boxer, be it for competitive purposes or for fitness/self-defence purposes, there will be rewards that can be obtained fairly swiftly. Boxing, like other sports, is a confidence business, and knowledge breeds confidence. 95% of what top performers do are the basics, it’s just that they do them very well. In order to deliver the final 5% of “magic” that produces a champion, the basics must be mastered.

For the purposes of demonstrating the skills of boxing, I have grouped the skills into the following high-level sets of Boxing How To Guides:

By clicking on any of the above links, you will be taken to a page that will allow you to select any a Boxing How To Guide for an individual skill and watch a clear, well presented video demonstration. I also present the basics of the skill in writing. The written article provides reinforcement for the main element, which is the video presentation. The video presentations are short in length, and are consistent in their delivery, demonstrating the mechanics of the skill in various positions. I outline the key points of the skill, along with the common faults that occur when performing the skill.

In terms of how to link up the boxing skills, the category boxing combinations contains articles which give some practical examples. Whether you’re new to the sport or not, I’d recommend starting with the article on the boxing stance. Understanding and practising the skills of boxing and being able to deploy them at the right time reduces the risk of taking a beating.

It doesn’t matter how strong you may think you are, you’ll at some point meet someone stronger. Possessing greater skill will allow you to overcome bigger and more powerful foes by swiftly moving inside to deliver effective punches or retreating whilst firing powerful shots. The skills components described in the Boxing How To Guides provide the building blocks of boxing. Learn how to box using these skills, within a structured training program and you will provide yourself with the highest chance of success whatever you are seeking from the sport.

Hello Mr Sands,I recently discovered “The Arc of Boxing” by Mike Silver.
While gloomy, It was very fascinating. Im curious as to whether you are familiar with it and what you think about the premise in chapter 10,that amateur boxing rules that encourage upright boxing are detrimental?

First thing to say is take it easy. Don’t let arse-holes bother you. Fact is, World’s full of them unfortunately. Secondly, work on this stuff to enjoy it and feel good about yourself. It takes time to master so don’t rush it. Who knows, one day when you need to call on it it may very well be there

You know, it varies from second to second, depending upon the range of shot you are using, physical characteristics, stances in use etc. I’d say long range there’s usually an inch or two betwwen the front feet of the fighters. Not a great answer, sorry!

Hey what are some equipment i can get to get me started in learning boxing so i can keep at home a boxing gym is out of the queition for now at least so i want to make a little gym at home and also how many times a day should i work on footwork to see improvements oh love the site keep up the good work

I was wondering, if you had the time, if you could do an article focusing on the weight of a fighter. I know that making weight is one of the biggest concerns for fighters and I want to know how boxers work towards making the weight. i know some, if not all, professional boxers cut off liquids before the weigh in and than re hydrate after. That is not an option for amateurs where i believe you weigh in the day of the fight.

If you dont want to write a whole article about it would u just answer a Q to help me out.

Normally I walk around at 170-175, so would that mean I should fight at super middle instead of light heavy? I feel powerful and pretty light at my current weight.

Assuming middleweight as 165 (there’s no super middleweight in amateurs), I’d work to get down to that. If you are walking around at 170, with some sensible eating and hard training I think that you could drop 5 pounds without an excessive risk of weakening yourself. In general, you should look to fight at as light a weight as possible without ‘boiling’ yourself. Better to be at the top end of your weight class and one of the bigger guys rather than the other way around.

I got a question. What is the best way to train punches for novice boxer (I do military style combat sambo self-defence)? Say shadow boxing 30%, mitt work 50%, sparring 20%? I usually train technique and explosiveness of punches with weights (2-3lbs) and application with mitts.

And it would be really helpful, if you could post some mitt tips and tutorials!

That’s quite a question! I think drills have to play a big part. The drills will allow you to slowly combine skills so that we don’t think about punching alone, we think about how punches fit in with everything else. Make sure you look at the articles on moving and and out and the two straight punches, and start trying to methodically practice them at the start of your session. I’m going to be sending out some mobility drill videos to everyone who’s downloaded the site reports, so make sure you’ve signed up and you’ll start getting them in the next 7 days or so. In the meantime, I found a video of this old bum beating on a heavy bag, may offer some tips! ;0)

Couple of things I guess Patrick. Make sure you are taking your bandaging up your wrist to provide extra support (don’t know whether you have seen the Boxing Handwraps video, it may help.) You are likely to be wearing high-wristed gloves (competition or sparring type.) If you are not and are using bag gloves, you may want to switch.

Secondly, some strengthening of the forearm muscles wouldn’t go amiss. You need to work on the extensor and flexor muscles, so maybe some wrist curls and reverse wrist curls. Don’t go too heavy with the weights! Make sure also that as part of your warm-down you are likewise using some stretches for the forerarm muscles.

Hey Graham, thank you for your comment. Yeah it’s been a lot of work, but of the enjoyable variety! I’ve been working extra hard lately in developing The Boxing Training Foundation and I’m nearly there In the meantime, I’m going to film to nice new free stuff for the site next week, with a focus on successful hooks and uppercuts to the body!

Thank you very much for your kind compliments! You know, the speed bag is a piece of equipment that I’ve never really used to any great degree. I’ve always wondered about the actual benefits and can only help but feel that they are very good for showing off. Most of the time I see pros using the speed bag in front of cameras during the promotion of a fight! I have always felt that a floor-to-ceiling ball (or double-end bag) is a much more useful and helpful piece of equipment, although they often have only a short life in a gym as boxers often tend to load up on them and hit too hard, snapping the fixings!

Sorry I can’t shoot something for you on this, but I certainly hope that some other stuff on the site will make up for this! Thanks again Arthur, and if you have any questions on anything, please let me know.

I have written a couple of notes in the past. I am not a pro or even a quality amateur. I like speed bag workouts because they seem to help with eye hand coordination. Not so much to develop but to help prevent loss. Having both shoulder issues and Parkinson’s the speed bag helps me keep my shoulders loose. the rhythm required also helps promote brain activity.

Though I disagree with your comments about speed bags, I still like your informative and enjoyable website. Mine is a special application but it might be helpful for others. Thanks again for the website. I love it!!!!!!!

Thank you for your comment. In terms of what you want to get out of boxing training it sounds like you have it figured out. I’m really happy that what you find on the site is both informative and enjoyable. Long may your enjoyment continue!

Just wanted to say how much I love this site! It’s well worded and concise. Your site is top-notch Fran. Not only are you obviously knowledgeable about boxing you have that unique ability to explain it simply and to the point. To add to this your vids are great too. What more can a person ask for? That’s why my friends and I constantly refer back to this site knowing we’ll always find something to take back to the gym and work on. Thank you Fran.